George Washington Sailors, Shipyard Workers Overcome Challenges at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan Manuel Pinalez, USS George Washington (CVN 73) Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS George Washington (CVN 73) Aviation Fuels Division, with help from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard workers, accomplished an unprecedented undertaking at sea by moving a massive fuel purifier seven decks below, March 29.

The 4,000-pound jet propellant five (JP-5) fuel purifier being moved is responsible for separating the useable, raw fuel from water and sediment. JP-5 is repeatedly refined via the purifier to remove contaminants that have accumulated while the fuel sits in storage containers for later use.

The JP-5 fuel is important to the functionality of an aircraft carrier. The fuel is used to perform a variety of functions including controlling the ship's balance; fueling the fighter jets on the flight deck and the tractors that stage them; and, running the ship's emergency diesel engines and auxiliary generators.

"We [replaced] this critical piece of equipment while at sea because we did not have an opportunity to do it in port," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class (AW/SW) Nelson Lubin, leading petty officer of George Washington Air Department's V4 division. "Under normal conditions, the unit would be replaced by qualified shipyard workers while the ship is in port. A large hole in the ship is generally cut to facilitate the installation of the unit, so us getting it done at sea, on our own, is an incredible feat."

George Washington recently deployed from her homeport of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka due to complex nature of the natural disaster that struck Japan on March 11. The ship's repair status of "under maintenance" to "fit for sea" occurred in just five days. This resulted in the postponement of several open projects and installations until Washington was fconsidered to be safe and sea-worthy.

"I continue to be amazed each and every day we are at sea by what our Sailors and these civilian craftsmen are accomplishing," said George Washington Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lausman. "They are working around the clock, putting their heart and soul into their work, and I couldn't be prouder to call them shipmates."

The team of Sailors and their shipyard counterparts successfully relocated the now-disassembled fuel purifying unit — similar in size to a Volkswagen Beetle — from the ship's open hangar bay, down seven decks to a pump room via a ladderwell in less than eight hours time.

"I'm really proud of what our team did today. It might be the first time something like this has ever been attempted — at least for us it is," said ABF3 Richard Bell, from Syracuse, N.Y.

"I really have to hand it to the civilian riggers. Without their help we would not have been able to accomplish this," said Bell.

George Washington is the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, ensuring security and stability across the western Pacific Ocean.

Homes for Wounded Heroes

Military Warriors Support Foundation, a non-profit organization which provides support for wounded military members, is giving away a 100% mortgage free home to a wounded hero and their family! The home is a beautiful 1-story home in San Antonio, TX.

In addition to receiving the home, the family will receive 3 years of home and financial mentoring to set them on a path of success for the future!

For requirements and how to apply, visit http://MilitaryWarriors.org/OpenHomes. Click on the picture of “Texas #6”. There you can find additional pictures and information about the home, as well as be able to download the application.

*Applications must be in by 11:59pm CST on Sunday, April 3, 2011.*

For any questions, please call our office @ 210.615.8973, or send an email to Support4WW@MilitaryWarriors.org.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates hosts an honor cordon to welcome Mongolian Minister of Defense Luvsanvandan Bold to the Pentagon today at 9:45 a.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Commander, U.S. European Command/Supreme Allied Commander-Europe Navy Adm. James Stavridis and Commander, U.S. Strategic Command Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler testify at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on U.S. European Command and U.S. Strategic Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal 2012 and the future years defense program at 9:30 a.m. EDT in room SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Italian Brig. Gen. Marcello Bellacicco, commanding general for Regional Command West, will brief the media live from Herat, Afghanistan, at 10:30 a.m. EDT, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Robert Hale; Under Secretary of the Army Joseph Westphal; Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work and Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton testify at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Department of Defense efficiencies initiatives at 2:30 p.m. EDT in room SR-232A, Russell Senate Office Building.

This Day in Naval History - March 28

From the Navy News Service

1800 - Essex becomes the first U.S. Navy vessel to pass the Cape of Good Hope.

1814 - HMS Phoebe and Cherub capture USS Essex off Valparaiso, Chile. Before capture, Essex had captured 24 British prizes during the War of 1812.

1848 - USS Supply reaches the Bay of Acre, anchoring under Mount Carmel near the village of Haifa, during its expedition to explore the Dead Sea and the River Jordan.

Carter: Acquisitions Improvements Need Permanence

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 – With spring coming in Afghanistan, the Defense Department is set to perform the same “remarkable” work it conducted in last year’s troop surge to get warfighters everything they need while working to institutionalize those procedures, the department’s undersecretary for acquisitions, technology and logistics told a congressionally established commission today.

The Pentagon’s logistics community “performed a miracle” in getting warfighters in Afghanistan everything they needed between President Barack Obama’s troop surge directive in December 2009 and the arrival of the last of the surge troops in August, Ashton B. Carter told the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan, a bipartisan panel created as part of the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.

Defense Department officials have worked closely with the commission in implementing Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ initiatives to improve the acquisitions process while safeguarding taxpayer dollars, Carter said.

“We are working off the same list of challenges: to combat waste, fraud and abuse in contingency contracting; root out corruption; get control of the particular risks of private security contractors; and, above all, to balance the effective response to warfighter needs and taxpayer dollars,” he said.

“Failure to do so not only amounts to theft from the taxpayer, but theft from those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us,” Carter added.

Still, Carter said, “it’s fair to say we’ve not done contingency contracting as well as the taxpayer and the warfighter deserve.”

When he accepted his current position two years ago, Gates told him, “The troops are at war and the Pentagon is not -– especially your part,” Carter said.

“I took that to heart and have been trying to make that not so over the past two years,” he added.

Department officials are doing everything possible to field everything troops need to make them safe and successful in Afghanistan, Carter said. That includes making permanent “the constellation of ad hoc processes” that allows the department to get around outdated, bureaucratic procedures to deliver equipment and supplies quickly, he said.

For example, Carter said, he and others have successfully appealed to Congress to “reprogram,” or shift money within its appropriations, to fund needed items. The annual budget cycle, he explained, was designed to plan for war, not to conduct war.

“We have to create a fast lane for contingency acquisitions,” he said. “We’re constantly hotwiring and working around. That is not satisfactory. We need a better system.”

Through the workarounds, the department was able to field requests for more and improved aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as for improvised explosive device detectors and the all-terrain version of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, the undersecretary said.

On his priority for saving public money, Carter said everyone connected to the Defense Department must face the reality of flattening budgets.

“We don’t anticipate, and certainly we don’t plan, to see the defense budget go down in any way like it did in the 1990s,” he said. “After all, we are a country at war, and we cannot compromise on the capabilities we now plan. At the same time, we do not expect the double-digit annual gains like we’ve had since 9/11.

“Flat is going to feel very different to us forever upward,” he added. “The secretary wants us to begin to adjust to the new era.”

To make that adjustment, Carter has directed acquisitions managers to always consider what products and services should cost versus what companies say they will cost; to demand competition in all contracting; and to consider “productivity growth” –- that items improve over time, while becoming less expensive.

“None of that matters if we don’t have good people executing it,” Carter said. “We oversteered in the past decade in downsizing the acquisition workforce.”

Officials are working to add nearly 1,500 acquisitions management and support positions, he added.

Family Matters Blog: Blogger Describes ‘Mom Shift’

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 – I’d like to welcome guest blogger Navy Lt. Tiffani Walker. In this blog, Walker writes about the “Mom shift” she works after a full day on active day, and expresses her gratitude for the service members who put their lives on the line to keep families like hers safe.

By Navy Lt. Tiffani Walker

Defense Media Activity

I work the “Mom shift” after I finish my day job as a Navy lieutenant on active duty.

It is that time of night when I have heard that other people watch their favorite show and catch up with their spouse. Some people may even read or even get to bed early. But I pull another shift at the factory where I make school lunches, wash bottles, sign homework and ensure the house is picked up enough to not cause injury or infection to my beautiful kids.

The Mom shift is that time of night when single and sometimes-single-due-to-orders moms like me take care of all of the things that need to be done just to make it to the next day.

I find that this time of night is the most reflective for me. I put the kids to bed and do menial tasks that don’t take much brainpower to do. It opens up my mind for a million other things that I don’t have time for throughout the day.

I make my lists of groceries, chores, to-do’s and wishes. I think about how much I miss my handsome husband and wonder when the day will come that we live in the same house again -- not just for a visit, but for good. I wonder if I can clone myself so I can find time to take naps and work to get rid of the “baby weight.”

And to be completely honest, I also internally whine about a number of things, such as why, when I am here alone with two kids, the sewage pipe had to back up in the basement and I had clean it up. And about why I have to go it alone as the plumber, mover, financial advisor, housekeeper and pediatrician … Why? Why? Why?

And then I remember. My kids are safe in their beds, warm and happy and it wasn’t entirely my doing. I didn’t go it alone tonight or any other night. I had help from strangers -- people who don’t know those two sleeping kids or me.

There are men and women around the world from our country and so many others who are flying, fighting, patrolling, diving, standing a watch, manning a rail and holding the line. It’s a line in the sand drawn in dirt, the air and the ocean that keeps children like mine safe in their beds.

I am grateful for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that stand afar while I tuck my sweet children in at night.

Thank you all from one grateful mom.

Operation Pacific Passage Winds Down at Travis Air Force Base

By Melinda Larson, Naval Air Station Lemoore Public Affairs and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Olivia Giger, NAS Fallon Public Affairs

TRAVIS AFB, Calif. (NNS) -- Operation Pacific Passage, the voluntary military-assisted departure from Japan, neared its end with two flight arrivals of family members at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., March 25.

The final flight will arrive March 28.

Eligible dependents of U.S. service members and Department of Defense civilians assigned to installations on the main island of Honshu, Japan, were authorized by the U.S. Department of State to depart March 16, following a strong earthquake, subsequent tsunami and damaged nuclear power plant.

When word was received March 18 that Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore would be the primary Navy team responding to assist in the effort, the installation's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated.

Senior leadership and the EOC team developed a plan and deployed a team of 10 from the installation and Naval Hospital Lemoore to San Francisco International Airport, one of the initial arrival sites for the operation.

"We were tasked late [March 18] afternoon and our initial team left early [March 19] morning to assist Navy family members arriving from Japan," said Cmdr. Robert Quinn, executive officer, NAS Lemoore.

The team quickly set up operations at a former Air Canada gate, made contact with airport managers and set up shop near U.S. Customs and Immigration.

"We adapt to changing environments on a regular basis; it's what the Navy does best," Quinn added.

When it became apparent Operation Pacific Passage was growing, the Navy team quickly tripled in size with assistance coming from Naval Air Station Fallon, Navy Operational Support Center San Jose, Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Station San Diego and the Navy Public Affairs Support Element West. Sailors and government civilians provided medical assistance, counseling, and help with travel orders. More than 1,200 Navy family members were processed during the five day evolution.

When the operation needed more space it was relocated to Travis AFB. With some 10,000-square feet of passenger terminal and baggage areas, family members were greeted and catered to by hundreds of volunteers.

"This is my contribution while my husband is in Iraq," said Victoria Wong, whose husband, Cmdr. Clement Wong is at Camp Victory, Iraq. "Somehow I feel connected to him by helping people who are so near and dear to his heart."

Wong is staying in nearby Stockton, Calif., with her parents while her husband is on an individual augmentee assignment.

As the operation evolved during the week, attention to detail was apparent as it seemed every need of family members was met.

"I literally started crying when I saw toothbrushes and toothpaste in the bathroom. They've thought of everything and have been so helpful here," said Heather Lewis who arrived from Misawa,

For one junior Sailor from NAS Lemoore, being helpful to the family members was his top priority.

"All they wanted to do was get out of here and get some sleep. I was as courteous as possible and adapted to whatever someone needed help with which was different for every person," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Jose Navedo, who assisted families with travel claims and advance pay questions.

With the crew of Operation Pacific Passage often working around the clock throughout the week, it seems there's no question the operation to care for and comfort family members during their journey was a success.

"The love and compassion you've shown these family members has been phenomenal," Col. James C. Vechery, 60th Air Mobility Wing Commander told the multi-service team before the final two aircraft arrived March 25. "At the end of the day you will have welcomed and loved over 2,500 people during this operation and I thank you all for your help."

What is expected to be the last flight of family members from Japan is set to arrive at Travis Air Force Base today. All of the family members who voluntary departed under Operation Pacific Passage will be provided return travel when directed by the Under Secretary of Defense.

Summit Seeks to Improve Nonmedical Care

By Chad B. Holmes

Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 – A summit to improve the coordination of nonmedical care for wounded warriors and their families will draw leaders and experts from several federal agencies, the services and the private sector to Leesburg, Va., tomorrow through 31.

The Wounded Warrior Care Coordination Summit is hosted by the Defense Department’s wounded warrior care and transition policy office, and will feature as a keynote speaker Holly Petraeus, who heads the Office of Service Member Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“This summit builds on significant improvements in nonmedical care coordination over the past few years,” said Robert Carrington, director for the Recovery Coordination Program in the wounded warrior care and transition policy office. “There is plenty of room to grow.”

While medical case management is a well-established field, Carrington explained, coordinating all of the nonmedical aspects of recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration on behalf of wounded, injured or ill service members and their families is an emerging field.

“We have learned a significant amount over these last few years,” he said.

Working groups at the summit will develop recommendations to improve care coordination in four key areas: collaboration between Defense Department and Veterans Affairs Department recovery care coordination programs, wounded warrior and family education and employment, wounded warrior family resilience, and standardizing best practices in recovery care coordination.

“Working group leaders and facilitators have been collaborating with key members of their groups for several weeks in advance of the summit to identify key challenges and opportunities so they can maximize productivity during the summit,” said John R. Campbell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for wounded warrior care and transition policy. “Each working group will report out to the larger group with actionable recommendations at the end of the summit. We’ll incorporate these into a final report, working with the directors of the military service wounded warrior programs, the Defense Department Recovery Coordination Program, and Veterans Affairs Federal Recovery Coordination Program.”

Campbell will present the report to the Wounded, Ill and Injured Senior Oversight Committee, co-chaired by the deputy secretaries of defense and veterans affairs.

The Defense Department Recovery Coordination Program helps seriously wounded, ill or injured service members and their families understand and make use of the large number of unfamiliar programs and benefits that become available to assist them. It assigns recovery care coordinators to act on behalf of the service member and family to coordinate the efforts of the many nonmedical specialists supporting them, ensuring they are not overwhelmed, and maximizing their benefit.

The recovery care coordinator works with service members and their families to develop a comprehensive recovery plan that empowers and guides them to succeed in their reintegration to military duty or civilian life. It identifies their needs, outlines specific actions, connects them with the resources they require based on their unique circumstances, and aligns the efforts of the recovery team, which includes the primary physician and medical case manager.

Developed jointly by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Federal Recovery Coordination Program, administered by the Veterans Affairs Department, provides clinical and nonclinical care coordination services for the most severely wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans and their families.

A joint Defense Department and Veterans Affairs committee will use the summit as one of several planned events to gather input and ideas from experts and those who coordinate nonmedical care for wounded warriors on a daily basis. More immediate recommendations by this working group will be incorporated in the summit final report, officials said.

“For our nation's wounded warriors and their loved ones, navigating the complex care and benefits systems of the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, while simultaneously working to recover from serious injury or illness can sometimes be unnecessarily challenging,” said Dr. Karen S. Guice, executive director of the Federal Recovery Coordination Program in the Veterans Affairs Department, who leads the working group. “It is our collective responsibility to continue to improve our systems of care to provide the very best support possible for these brave men and women.”

The education and employment working group will develop plans for service members to proactively prepare for their post-injury or post-illness career while in recovery and rehabilitation, and while awaiting a determinations of fitness for continued military service or a disability rating. The working group also will also examine ways to expand the use of the GI Bill, military tuition assistance programs, and vocational rehabilitation counseling by wounded warriors to better prepare for the next stage of their lives.

“In January, the unemployment rate for veterans of our current wars reached 15.2 percent, while the national unemployment rate fell to 9 percent,” said Koby J. Langley, special advisor to Campbell for strategic planning and leader of the education and employment working group. “For disabled veterans, the unemployment rate is even higher. These men and women left civilian life and volunteered to go into harm’s way on our behalf. We have to give them all possible assistance to re-enter civilian life and thrive at least as successfully as their counterparts who didn’t step forward to serve their nation.”

Because the spouses of service members often sacrifice career opportunities through frequent moves, and spouses of wounded warriors sometimes very suddenly become the primary bread-winner, the summit also will explore ways to ensure these family members have the education and employment opportunities they require to be successful.

This dovetails with family resilience, the focus of a third working group, led by Mary Campise of the Family Advocacy Program in the office of the assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy.

“Families and communities provide the context within which wounded warriors ultimately heal,” Campise said. “By bringing together a talented and committed group of diverse, family-focused individuals who have years of experience working with military families, we hope to identify and seize opportunities to integrate and embed effective and meaningful family support across the continuum of care.”

Campise said many innovative best practices already exist, and her group plans to identify them and give them visibility so others can build on what already is working well.

“We've also learned that families of the wounded, ill, and injured can be immensely creative in building their own networks of mutual support,” she added. “We want to figure out how to facilitate, and eliminate roadblocks to, what families and communities do naturally.”

A fourth working group will look for ways to standardize recovery care coordination best practices among all military and Veterans Affairs practitioners. The team will identify ways to better assess compliance with legislative and policy requirements and review entrance, exit and handoff criteria between the services and Veterans Affairs.

“A lack of common definitions and practices has prevented some of our efforts from reaching their full potential,” said Carrington, who leads the best practices working group. “We don’t individually have to come up with all the best answers but as a group and looking at what other smart, innovative people are doing we can ensure our programs reflect the excellence that our wounded warriors deserve.

“We just need to ask the right questions and look for best practices across the various programs with input from our wounded warriors and their families,” he added.

CNO Announces Flag Officer Assignments

From Department of Defense Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced the following assignments March 28:

Rear Adm. Edward G. Winters will be assigned as deputy chief, Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq. Winters is currently serving as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, San Diego, Calif.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Earl L. Gay will be assigned as commander, Navy Recruiting Command, Millington, Tenn. Gay is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three/commander, Amphibious Group Three, San Diego, Calif.

Navy Moms Website Earns Top Award for Social Media

By MC2 (SCW) Michael B. Lavender, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting Command's (NRC) "Navy For Moms" website was awarded the Optimas Service Award for 2010, at a ceremony held in Chicago, Ill., March 24.

Rear Adm. Craig Faller, commander, Navy Recruiting Command; accepted the award citing the benefits of using the web as a platform for people to share their Navy experiences.

"Our families are passionate about the pride they have in their sons and daughters serving in America's Navy," Faller said. "This passion shared through social media has grown beyond anything we could have imagined. Families of current Sailors sharing information with families of future Sailors really helps answer many of the questions about life in the Navy. Our recruiters are always available to answer questions, but when parents or even grandparents share their own experiences, it's really powerful."

The service award is given to the organization whose workforce management leaders have created an initiative to help another constituency within the organization meet its business goals. The U.S. Navy won for an outreach program to mothers, to help recruiters meet their enlistment goals.

The Optimas Award was created by Workforce Management and recognizes initiatives that create positive business results for organizations.

Since March 2008, when it was established, the website has attracted a network of 36,000 mothers who talk about subjects ranging from fear and loss to birthday gifts.

NAVYForMoms.com was created for the mothers (and loved ones) of those who are currently serving or considering serving in the U.S. Navy. Since its establishment in March 2008, more than 36,000 members have used the website to discuss issues with others who share common concerns.

The content on the webpage is member-driven. Questions are asked and answered. Moms share with fellow moms their fears, dreams, personal experiences and even birthday gift ideas. The ultimate goal is to provide an environment of understanding, comfort and belonging to all involved.

"I am overwhelmed by how much this website has meant to me," wrote one Navy mom. "It carried me through boot camp … and most importantly, stood in my shoes when my son was seriously hurt last March, in Florida. I went on the site and put out an SOS for moms to be with him until I could get there from Connecticut. The response was unbelievable. I am forever grateful to the moms and dads who rushed to his side. This forum is what has been needed for so long. We've had our group on Yahoo for about 19 years, but this is the type of thing that was needed most."

"I'm proud of what we've been able to do with this social media community, because it's an important part of our global force for good," Faller said. "In this case, the 'good' comes from shared experiences by our Sailors and their families. We often hear about Sailors helping Sailors throughout the Navy. Well, NavyforMoms is literally families helping other families."

NRC consists of a command headquarters, two Navy recruiting regions and 26 Navy recruiting districts which serve hundreds of recruiting stations across the country.

With 70 percent of the world covered in ocean, 80 percent of the world's population living near coasts and 90 percent of the world's commerce traveling by water, America's Navy is very much a global force for good. NRC's mission is to recruit the best men and women for America's Navy to accomplish today's missions and meet tomorrow's challenges.

Navy Stops Non-Essential Civilian Deployments to Japan

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) directed the immediate stop of movement for all Department of the Navy non-emergency essential civilian personnel to the island of Honshu, Japan March 26.

Due to the damages as a result of the recent earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan, it has been determined that the movement of non-emergency essential civilian personnel to commands and activities on the island of Honshu will be stopped effective immediately.

Emergency essential positions are designated as such in the civilian position description. Employees are typically notified of this determination in the "DOD Civilian Employee Overseas Emergency-Essential Position Agreement."

Non-emergency essential employees with permanent change of station (PCS) or temporary duty (TDY) authorizations to the island of Honshu, Japan, who have not yet commenced travel, are directed to stay with their current activity. Personnel who are already in transit, should contact their gaining activity's Human Resources Office (HRO) for guidance.

Department of the Navy civilian employees affected by this stop movement may be eligible for entitlements such as temporary quarters subsistence and other allowances. For questions regarding these entitlements, employees should contact their nearest HRO.

Personnel who have additional questions or circumstances should contact their servicing HRO or the Department of the Navy Human Resources frequently asked questions box at donhrfaq@navy.mil for further guidance and assistance.

For more information from the Department of the Navy, Office of Civilian Human Resources, visit www.donhr.navy.mil.

Statement by the Army on Photographs Published by Rolling Stone

“The photos published by Rolling Stone are disturbing and in striking contrast to the standards and values of the United States Army.  Like those published by Der Spiegel, the Army apologizes for the distress these latest photos cause.  Accountability remains the Army’s paramount concern in these alleged crimes.  Accordingly, we are in the midst of courts-martial, and we continue to investigate leads.  We must allow the judicial process to continue to unfold and be mindful that the government has distinct obligations to the victims and to the accused, which include compliance with the court's protective order to ensure a fair trial.  That said, the Army will relentlessly pursue the truth, no matter where it leads, both in and out of court, no matter how unpleasant it may be, no matter how long it takes.  As an Army, we are troubled that any soldier would lose his ‘moral compass’ as one soldier said during his trial.  We will continue to do whatever we need to as an institution to understand how it happened, why it happened and what we need to do to prevent it from happening again.”

Naval Submarine School Hosts Senator

By Submarine Learning Center Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Naval Submarine School (NSS) on board Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., hosted Senator Richard Blumenthal, of Connecticut, March 22.

Staff and instructors showed Blumenthal how students are taught in high-risk trainers to fight fires and to escape from a submarine.

"I was impressed by the intensity of the senator's interest in every aspect of the training in both areas," said Cmdr. Thomas Kraemer, Naval Submarine School executive officer. "He appreciated the emphasis on safety that everyone in the high-risk training department uses."

The visit was Blumenthal's first since his election to the U. S. Senate in November, and provided him an opportunity to see recently completed base improvement construction projects, as well as familiarize himself with how Naval Submarine School trains the Navy's submarine force.

Afterward, during an outdoor press conference, Blumenthal said submarines are "an essential component of our national security future."

Sailors Tryout for All-Navy Women's Basketball Team

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David J. Hooper, Naval Base San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (NNS) -- Sixteen female Sailors from various commands throughout the Navy reported to the Admiral Prout Field House aboard Naval Base San Diego, Calif., beginning March 23 to compete for a spot on the 2011 All-Navy Women's Basketball Team.

Candidates ranging in rank from E-1 to O-4 have to undergo an extremely competitive tryout process.

"We're evaluating them on everything...their dribbling, their shooting, their basketball IQ, and the main thing is the person that they are," said Head Coach James Washington. "This is not 'rec-yard' basketball, this is a competitive basketball atmosphere likened to college and we try to push it to that level."

During the tryout period, players practice three times a day, with the first practice beginning at 7 a.m. Each practice is three hours long, with a strong emphasis on coordination and physical fitness.

"It's fun, but at the same time it's hard work," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Laquisha Walker, a Sailor assigned to Naval Station Norfolk, trying out for the team.

With 45 original candidates, 16 were selected and only 12 players will travel and compete with the team.

"When we go play we can only take the twelve best players and that's what we're looking for," said Washington.

Washington said he wants a physical, fast team but at the end of the day it's all about camaraderie and building those lasting relationships.

The All-Navy Women's Basketball Team will represent the Navy in the Armed Forces Sports Championship, where they will compete against the other services.

"It's a great opportunity to get to play basketball and serve my country," said Hull Technician Fireman Morgan Petite, a Sailor from USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) and veteran of the team.

Who has what it takes to be Wisconsin Army National Guard's best Soldier & NCO of the year?

By Wisconsin Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major George E. Stopper

At the end of this week, five Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and 10 noncommissioned officers (NCO) will gather at Fort McCoy to compete for the title of 2011 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldier or Noncommissioned Officer of the Year — but more importantly, this four-day competition showcases our best and brightest Soldiers.

To be selected as the top Soldier or NCO from nearly 7,000 Soldiers is an honor that very few Soldiers get to experience. This annual event actually began months ago at each of our Wisconsin Army National Guard major commands (32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 64th Troop Command, the 426th Regional Training Institute and Joint Force Headquarters) with Soldier and NCO of the Year competitions at the company level. Winners advanced to the battalion competition, and then to the brigade level.

At each level, Soldiers competed against each other in events including an Army physical fitness test, written exam, written essay, hands-on warrior tasks, weapon qualification, stress fire, land navigation (day and night), combatives level 1, obstacle course, personal appearance board, and a road march.

Those men and women will converge from March 31 through April 3 to compete in many of the same events, along with a modified combat water survival test and a nine-mile road march.

The events will not only test their physical strength and endurance, but also tests their mental toughness and desire to succeed.

But the competition won’t end here — winners will go forward to the regional competition at Camp Dodge, Iowa May 9-12. Regional winners from across the United States will then compete at the national level later this year.

Our Soldiers are our most important asset and these competitions allow them to strut their stuff among their peers. More importantly, having to accomplish these tasks in a stressful and fast-paced environment hones their skills and refines them as warriors.

What do you think it takes to be the top Wisconsin National Guard Soldier or NCO of the year?

MCPON: Happy 118th Birthday CPOs

Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Chief Petty Officer birthday message to the Fleet March 28.

"My fellow chief petty officers,

On April 1st, our entire Mess will pause to celebrate 118 years of the United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, and we're not just celebrating another year of chiefs serving the Navy, we're celebrating everything it means to wear the fouled anchors we all cherish.

Those anchors are the symbol of a culture and a way of life, representing character, loyalty, a strong commitment to leadership, our core values, and Navy ethos. Our anchors carry with them a responsibility to live up to the tradition of selfless service, while remembering our proud heritage that we've spent 118 years building as we look toward our future.

Thank you Chiefs! Through your leadership of our Sailors, you continue to keep our heritage alive and our Navy strong — and as you know our Navy is the best it has ever been. Continue to make a positive impact on your command, your Sailors, yourself and our Mess.

Remember those who have gone before us and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation.

Happy birthday Shipmates! I truly appreciate your leadership and the hard work you do every day.

Anchor Up and Hooyah Navy Chiefs!"

USS Constitution Sailor Gives Caps to Kids During Austin Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

AUSTIN, Texas (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to USS Constitution gave Navy ballcaps to children during a Caps for Kids visit at Dell's Children's Medical Center in Austin, Texas, March 25.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Benjamin Hanson participated in the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO)-sponsored visit, giving ballcaps to children dealing with chronic and severe health issues as part of Austin Navy Week, March 19-26.

"It gives the children something to aspire to grow up to be," said Sara Bridges, Dell's Children's Medical Center, child life assistant. "For example, you want to be in the Navy and the opportunity was given to meet someone in the Navy. That is a very positive and unforgettable experience for a child to have."

Sailors assigned to NAVCO, USS George H.W. Bush and Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, also participated. In total, Sailors passed out 30 ballcaps.

They also played board games with children and interacted with them as one-on-one mentors.

"It was a very heart-wrenching experience," said Hanson. "I was asked to talk to one of the children in the hospital; it was very close and personal. I really hope by talking to him I had a positive effect on him and his well-being."

Caps for Kids became a national outreach effort in 2000. Since then, more than 300 commands and thousands of Sailors have donated ballcaps to more than 500 hospitals across the United States.

Constitution Sailors gave more than 90 ballcaps to children during Navy Weeks in 2010.

Constitution participates in more than 50 volunteer projects annually. The ship is the recipient of the 2009 and 2010 President's Volunteer Service Award and Commander, Navy Region (COMNAVREG) Middle Atlantic (MIDLANT) Good Neighbor Flagship award for small shore commands in 2010.

COMNAVREG MIDLANT presents the award to commands that have the best year-round community service program or special projects that provide humanitarian assistance to the less fortunate.

The ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.

Disabled Veterans Inspire All Americans, Biden Says

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., March 28, 2011 – Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise appearance last night at the opening ceremonies of the 25th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, thanking the participants for their service and sacrifices and for the inspiration they give their fellow Americans.

“You are a remarkable group of people, … the most tested of all Americans,” the vice president told about 400 disabled veterans participating in this year’s five-day clinic.

“Collectively, the generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have served and sacrificed as you have are the heart and soul, … the spine of this nation,” Biden added. “You have given more than any but those who we have buried.”

The vice president thanked the veterans for “the incredible service you have all rendered,” but especially for “the service you continue to render.”

The participants may not realize how much they do for other people in their situation, Biden told the veterans, or how much they inspire millions of Americans who look to their example.

“So don’t underestimate what you continue to do for your country and what you continue to do for so many people … who aren’t warriors like all of you, but they look at you and they take strength from it,” he said.

Biden, who brought his family along to the opening ceremonies and introduced them by name, said he frequently takes his children and grandchildren along when he and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, visit military and veterans hospitals.

“I want them to see the incredible courage,” he said.

Biden shared stories of wounded warriors who, despite their own struggles, want nothing more than to return to their units and family members who stand by them.

“You are an inspiration to your country,” the vice president said. “You have given so much and you ask for so little. You … have never feared the future and you have never been deterred from the notion of being able to make every day a little better than the day before. That’s what brings you all here.”

Biden said he, President Barack Obama and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki share a firm belief that the United States has many obligations, but “only one sacred obligation: to prepare those we send into harm’s way and to care for those who come home.”

“It is they first –- not second, not third, not fifth,” Biden said. “It is the only truly sacred obligation we have.”

Misawa Air Base

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (March 23, 2011) Sailors assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 wash the exterior of an SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to HS-14 following an Operation Tomodachi humanitarian assistance mission. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow/Released)

Passing of Colonel (retired) Stuart Stultz

COL (Ret) Stuart Stultz had been Wisconsin National Guard Association Insurance Administration and had been the Commander of the 132d Support Battalion.

Stultz, Stuart G. Passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on March 27, 2011, at age 72.

Stuart fought proudly as he battled ALS for over 3 years. He was born in Minnesota on May 18, 1938. His dedication to his family and country throughout his life was obvious, revealed by the commitment, love and energy he put into them both.

Stuart proudly served his country for 41 years as a Colonel (Ret.) in the Wisconsin National Guard.

Stuart worked at K-Promotions / Carlson Company for many years. He also held the position of State Insurance Administrator, working for the Wisconsin National Guard Association, Inc., proudly for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, Mary (nee Tisler) and children, Susan (Steven) Schneider, Timothy

(Angela) and Kevin (Nicole). He was a wonderful grandpa, and is greatly loved and respected by his grandchildren Ryan, Dominic, Chelsea, Chloe, Cora and Evin. He is also survived by his sister, Jackie Kurvers and brothers, Richard and Thomas Stultz.

We would also like to thank the many amazing friends, neighbors and family, including the ALS Association and Hartland Hospice, who wonderfully supported Stuart and his family throughout the illness. We will miss you Stuart / Dad / Grandpa. Thank you for leaving us with so many happy memories. You set up base camp in Heaven, Col. We'll all be along soon enough.

A Celebration of Stuart's Life Memorial at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 29, from 4-6:45 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7 PM. Visitation also at, ST. MATTHIAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 92nd and Beloit Rd., Wed.,

March 30, 10:30-11 AM. Mass of Christian Burial to follow, 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthias Food Pantry or ALS Association.

Online obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jsonline/obituary.aspx?n=stuart-g-stultz&pid=149746601&fhid=5709